Mayor Greg Ballard made his rejection of the Democrats? proposed redistricting plan official Friday. The council had approved the redistricting plan 15-12, along party lines, Dec. 17.

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City-County Council President Maggie Lewis defended Democrats' redistricting plan as fair Friday in response to a mayoral veto that was prescripted in the political fight to redraw council districts.

"This debate will continue," the council leader said, hinting at a likely legal challenge that could cost taxpayers.

For now, a competing GOP-drawn set of maps - signed by Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard nearly a year ago - remains on the books. The new boundaries won't take effect until 2015, the next time all 25 district-based seats and four at-large seats are on the ballot. ...